Giant Panda Conservation Joint Project Symposium

We invited experts from the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in China
to exchange views on the current status of breeding research and the future of pandas.

  • In 2019, as part of Adventure World's 40th anniversary celebration, we held the first Giant Panda Japan-China Joint Breeding and Research Symposium in Shirahama Town for the general public. We invited three experts from the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base to give lectures on panda breeding, the history and current status of panda conservation efforts in the wild, health management and disease prevention. In spite of the specialized content, 270 people attended the event, indicating a high level of interest in the conservation of giant pandas. Many prefectural and town officials, including the Governor of Wakayama Prefecture and the Mayor of Shirahama Town, also attended the symposium as guests of honor, allowing us to deepen exchanges. The symposium participation fee was donated to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base to be used for panda conservation.

Symposium Contents

  • ［Subject 1]
  • Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
    The 30th Anniversary of Giant Panda Ex situ Conservation and Achievements of China-Japan Cooperation
    Dr. Zhang Zhihe, Director and Secretary
    As the main research institute for the panda ex-situ conservation project
    Report on its role and achievements as a breeding research, conservation education, and tourism center for over 30 years
  • ［Subject 2]
  • Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
    Daily Health Management and Disease Prevention and Control of Giant Pandas
    Luo Bin, Veterinarian and Associate Researcher, Supervisor, Department of Animal Disease Prevention and Control
    Report on the development and challenges of panda health management with specific case studies
  • ［Subject 3]
  • Current Status of Giant Pandas
    Dr. Atsutake Qi, Research Scientist (Research Center Supervisor)
    Report on the current status of pandas in the wild and conservation activities in China
  • ［Roundtable Discussion]
  • Theme ： "The Future of Giant Pandas
    Panelists ： Dr. Zhang Zhihe, Dr. Qi Dunwu
    Dr. Luo Bin, Veterinarian (Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base)
    Director Koji Imazu, Chairperson of the Executive Committee Takeko Nakao (Adventure World)

Participant Questionnaire

  • I believe that it has been a tremendously difficult path for the Chinese professors to date, with their diligent research, cross-country exchanges, and efforts to gain understanding. I could not have known that there are still many unknowns without listening to this lecture. I will do what I can to increase the number of lives, the treasures of this lovely world, so that they will remain in the future for a long time to come.
  • I could understand how the pandas at Adventure World have been bred to what they are today through cooperation with Chinese researchers. I could also understand the efforts to protect pandas in China. I felt it was wonderful in terms of friendship between Japan and China.
  • It was great to hear someone from the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, a place that is doing cutting-edge things related to giant pandas, speak in Japanese. I learned everything I wanted to know about the latest research and methods of giant panda breeding.